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V2 Chapter 4: When, and without her knowing?
🕑 Added 2025-05-09 02:44:55 +0000 UTCAs a transfer student, Chihaya Anon's first mission upon arriving in a new environment was to observe.
As soon as the bell rang, Anon immediately began carefully observing the various cliques in her new classroom.
Being a late transfer to a brand new school and class, fitting in wouldn't be easy. But for someone like her, who excelled at communication, it was hardly a challenge.
"Mhm~"
The first person Anon naturally looked at was the center of the class—Kita Ikuyo.
That girl, affectionately known as "Kita-chan" by everyone, smiled like the radiant sun. Her dazzling presence was so bright that even someone like Anon, who considered herself a shining type, found it hard to keep her eyes open.
Such a beautiful and cheerful girl would likely become the center of attention anywhere she went.
She was the same type as Anon, likely easy to get along with, but not someone she wanted to stand beside.
"Too dazzling..."
Chihaya Anon didn't want to be completely overshadowed by that intense brilliance and fade into the background.
"Hmm, what to do?"
Resting her chin in one hand, Anon suddenly noticed Takamatsu Tomori, who was sitting in front of her.
She had noticed her earlier this morning—a bit of an odd girl, clearly shy and withdrawn, but also very cute, with a timid, animal-like vibe. She was something of a class mascot.
Should I try to be friends with her?
Just as Anon was considering this, Takamatsu Tomori walked over with her lunchbox and, quite naturally, sat beside that cool aloof guy.
Eh? Seriously?
Were the two of them close?
No way! Their personalities looked like total opposites, how did they even get along?
As Anon continued her subtle people-watching, trying to find the right group to blend into, she didn't realize her little glances were being completely noticed by Kazami Haru.
Since Anon was a vital part of Mygo, Haru didn't hesitate to stand up and take initiative.
...
"Alright, now's the time."
Kita Ikuyo took a deep breath and adjusted her mindset.
This wasn't just about Haru, eventually she had to apologize to everyone from their now-defunct band. Haru's presence gave her the courage to face that challenge.
"Okay!"
Mood: Ready!
Lunch: Ready!
Next step: Ask Tomori to eat lunch together, and then naturally talk to Haru!
It was a flawless plan.
"Chihaya-san, would you like to eat lunch with us?"
"Eh, really? I can?"
Kita had already taken a step forward, only to have Kazami Haru suddenly step in and casually invite the just-transferred Chihaya Anon.
Of course, Anon wouldn't turn down such an invitation. Her face lit up, and she quickly moved over to join them. In doing so, she completely blocked Kita's advance.
Huh?
Why… Why did Haru invite Chihaya?!
Kita's expression froze as she watched Anon happily sit next to Haru, in the very seat she had planned to take.
My… my plan…
She had been fully prepared to strike up a conversation, and then Anon came out of nowhere and broke her momentum. Her newly built-up courage collapsed.
Time to run…
This moment clearly wasn't the right timing.
But just as Kita tried to back away, someone nudged her from behind.
It was Yume-san, gently pushing her forward with a kind smile before sitting down with a group of friends to eat lunch.
The message was crystal clear.
Fine then! I'll go for it!
Kita clutched her lunchbox like a soldier marching into battle and strode over with a determined face.
"Excuse me, may I eat lunch with you all too?"
"Chihaya-san just transferred here, right? You're probably not used to things yet. I'm pretty familiar with Haneoka, so if you have any questions, I'd be happy to help."
"Eh?"
Haru looked to his left where Anon sat looking confused, and then to his right where Kita smiled brightly. Then he exchanged a puzzled glance with Takamatsu Tomori, who also seemed lost.
What is happening?
Due to the last simulation, Haru was still a bit nervous around Kita.
But thinking it over, this Kita wasn't part of that simulation, so everything should be fine. And Tomori didn't seem to mind being around others.
Even though she was shy, she didn't hate talking to people.
Kita-san has a pretty good relationship with Tomori in class. On the other hand, in her "memories," there's Anon-chan, who formed a band with her. When interacting with them, not only does Tomori not reject them, but the girl who struggles to express her feelings even seems a bit happy.
Being surrounded by friends, it was a warm feeling.
Haru agreed without much thought, and Kita finally breathed a sigh of relief and sat down.
She hadn't expected to succeed… thanks to Chihaya Anon acting as a cover.
"Chihaya-san, my name is Kazami Haru, and this is Takamatsu Tomori. Nice to meet you."
"I actually introduced myself during class! Feel free to call me Anon~"
Anon was thrilled. She had pegged Kazami as a tsundere, aloof guy but to think he'd be the one to invite her for lunch?
Her opinion of him instantly shot up.
"I'm Kita Ikuyo. I like pop culture, singing, and practicing guitar."
That's right, guitar practice!
Kita subtly watched Haru's reaction, hoping that saying "guitar" and "singing" would trigger something, but he showed no visible change. She started getting anxious.
Come on, ask me if I'm in a band already!
Meanwhile, Anon's eyes lit up and she eagerly joined the topic.
"What a coincidence! I'm into the same things as Kita-san! I even served as student council president in middle school and sang as the lead vocalist in the student council band!"
(Though I mostly used the guitar as a prop…)
"Wow, student council president? That's impressive! Lately, it seems like rock bands are super popular~ Lots of students here are in bands. I'm actually thinking about joining one as a guitarist…"
(Although she still doesn't know how to play.)
"That does sound fun~ Maybe I should start one too."
Even though Haru and Tomori remained mostly silent, Kita and Anon, the two ultra-outgoing girls, were able to chat effortlessly.
But Kita hadn't come over just to talk with Anon, she was anxious.
She had practically shouted "I'm not in a band anymore," just hoping Haru would invite her to join again.
As for Anon, she was simply having a blast. She'd thought sitting next to Kita would make her invisible, but every topic Kita raised hit right in her wheelhouse.
It felt so good to talk about herself.
But… a band, huh?
Not just in this class—she'd noticed a lot of students at Haneoka carried instruments. She'd sensed it the moment she transferred. Bands were way more popular than she'd expected.
So yeah—she needed to form her own band, if only to have something to talk about.
Without missing a beat, Anon asked:
"What about you, Kazami-san and Takamatsu-san? Are you planning to join a band?"
She looked at them expectantly. If possible, she wanted both of them in her band, the cute class mascot and the aloof cool guy? A total win!
"I want to start a band… with Haru."
Tomori suddenly spoke up, and the two extroverted girls reacted very differently.
"Eh? So Kazami-san is already planning to start a band with Tomori?"
Kita's eyes shook. Her voice trembled from the shock.
When did this happen? And why didn't I know?!
